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Published on: September 12, 2019
Inhibitory effects of mushroom extracts on progression of carcinogenesis in mice
Caroline Wasonga1, Charles Omwandho2
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya.
Objective:
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common primary malignancy of hepatocytes that has caused many fatalities globally. To manage the increasing cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, natural products like mushrooms have been tested for their anti-oxidant, anti-tumour and therapeutic properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Agaricus bisporus on progression of chemically induced carcinogenesis in mice. Carcinogenesis was induced in experimental and positive group of mice. Development and progression of carcinogenesis was monitored by quantifying levels of Lactate dehydrogenase, total sialic acid and by histological analysis. The results of the study showed that, unlike lactate dehydrogenase, the levels of sialic acid consistently decreased throughout the experimental period in mice that were fed on mushroom extracts compared to the positive control. Histological analysis also showed protection of the hepatocytes from carcinogenesis progression. Overall, the results from tumour markers and histological analysis, showed that addition of Agaricus bisporus extracts to diet slowed down progression of carcinogenesis and these extracts therefore may be useful as supplementary diet to conventional cancer therapies.
Insights
Agaricus bisporus mushroom extracts show promise in slowing hepatocellular carcinoma progression in mice. Supplementing with these extracts may aid conventional cancer therapies by protecting liver cells.
Area of Science:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma research
- Natural product pharmacology
- Chemoprevention studies
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health concern.
- Natural products, including mushrooms, are explored for anti-cancer properties.
- Investigating dietary interventions for HCC management is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Agaricus bisporus extracts on chemically induced liver carcinogenesis in mice.
- To assess the chemopreventive potential of common mushrooms in HCC progression.
Main Methods:
- Carcinogenesis was induced in mice.
- Mice were administered Agaricus bisporus extracts.
- Tumor progression was monitored using lactate dehydrogenase and sialic acid levels, alongside histological analysis.
Main Results:
- Sialic acid levels decreased in mice fed mushroom extracts, unlike lactate dehydrogenase.
- Histological examination revealed hepatocyte protection against carcinogenesis.
- Agaricus bisporus extracts demonstrated a slowing effect on carcinogenesis progression.
Conclusions:
- Agaricus bisporus extracts may serve as a beneficial dietary supplement for HCC.
- These mushroom extracts show potential in supporting conventional cancer treatments.
- Further research into mushroom-based therapies for liver cancer is warranted.
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